For GPs — Referral Guidance & Rapid Access

Why Refer to Mr Sam Nahas
- Appointments within a week for new knee referrals (injury or degenerative)
- Imaging within 7 days (X-ray/MRI/CT/US; long-leg alignment when indicated)
- Plan within one week of first contact: non-operative pathway or surgery when appropriate
- Fee-assured for insured patients; clear self-pay pricing for others
- Knee-only consultant covering ligament, meniscus, cartilage, osteotomy, and arthroplasty
When to Refer Urgently
Within a week / soon (non-A&E)
- •Suspected ACL rupture with instability, repairable meniscal tear (locking/catching), osteochondral injury
- •PCL
- •MCL
- •Patella dislocation (especially first-time with effusion/fragment concern)
- •Multi-ligament injury / knee dislocation history
- •Extensor mechanism rupture (quadriceps/patellar tendon)
Same day to A&E (not clinic)
- •Suspected septic arthritis, neurovascular compromise, or acute fracture/dislocation
What to Include in Your Referral
- •Presenting complaint, mechanism/date of onset, red flags
- •Functional impact (stairs, night pain, instability, locking)
- •Relevant PMH (cardiac, diabetes, DVT/PE history), current meds (especially anticoagulants), allergies, BMI, smoking
- •Any prior physiotherapy, braces, injections, or surgery
- •Imaging available (attach reports)
- •Patient preference (non-operative vs. surgical discussion, sport timelines)
How to refer: Secure email or letter, please contact Mr Nahas' practice manager for details.
Refer a PatientImaging Guidance (Primary Care)
- •X-ray (first-line for pain/arthritis): weight-bearing AP, lateral, and skyline views
- •MRI (injury/locking/instability): we can organise rapidly; no need to delay referral if MRI access is limited
- •Ultrasound: peri-patellar/tendon issues; US-guided injections available
Mr Nahas is happy to triage and arrange appropriate imaging directly.
Typical Pathway & Timelines
- 1.Consultation (history, examination, goals)
- 2.Imaging arranged within 7 days if required
- 3.Diagnosis & plan agreed within a week:
- •Non-operative: education, physiotherapy, bracing, steroid/HA/PRP injections where evidence supports benefit
- •Operative: arthroscopy/meniscal repair, ACL/MPFL, HTO/DFO, UKR/TKR, or revision as indicated
- 4.Communication to GP: clinic letter summarising diagnosis, plan, and safety-netting
Surgical Access & Safety
- •Surgery scheduled as soon as safe, subject to pre-operative assessment (often the rate-limiting step)
- •Patients complete 5-day antibacterial skin washes pre-op
- •Enhanced recovery pathways; clear post-op instructions and follow-up
Fees & Insurance
- Insured: fee-assured with major UK insurers
Contact
If you'd like informal advice on a case, send a brief summary and we'll respond with suggested next steps.